On February 17th, Chicago’s Historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel became a Whimsical Dessert Dream as chefs from all over the Chicagoland area presented a culinary feast for the ages! The event featured the very best from the food, candy and baking industry. All of these wonderful professionals came together to support the 13th Annual For the Love of Chocolate Foundation Gala. In addition to raising funds for culinary education, the gala was the host of the Chef’s Hall of Fame which inducted three prominent Chefs into the Hall. Inductees included Mindy Segal, Owner of Hot Chocolate Restaurant; Fred Hoffmann, CEO of Ala Carte Entertainment; and John Hogan, Executive Chef of Tony Montuano’s River Roast Restaurant. Every year the Foundation event team works diligently to bring an eclectic spectacle alive in the hopes of showcasing the hospitality industry. This year was no different as our team featured a silent disco, four distinct dance troupes, mimes, stilt walkers, dancing mushrooms, a culinary school competition in the chocolate garden, a teeter totter, an ice cream truck, a giant pinwheel and much more.
Thanks to our generous sponsors and guests, the evening of Dessert Dreams and Whimsy raised over $170,000 for the scholarship foundation.
For the Love of Chocolate Foundation awards scholarships to students in full-time programs at non-profit organizations, promoting commitment in pastry arts education for individuals looking to change careers, as well as individuals who have shown potential in the culinary field but have no formal pastry education.